How To Cancel Vehicle Registration Online in Washington in 2026

Washington requires vehicle owners to report changes in ownership or operational status to the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). While the state does not offer a direct "cancellation" service, residents must file a Report of Sale when selling, trading, gifting, donating, or otherwise transferring vehicle ownership. This process effectively ends your liability for the vehicle and protects you from future charges associated with it.

When you complete a Report of Sale, you end your legal responsibility for tickets, towing charges, and other liabilities that may occur after the transfer date. Washington law requires the removal of license plates from vehicles before transfer, and plates may be transferred to another vehicle you own or surrendered to licensing offices.

When Registration Cancellation May Be Needed

Washington residents must report vehicle transfers and file Reports of Sale under numerous circumstances:

• Completing a private sale to another individual buyer
• Trading your vehicle to a dealer during a new purchase
• Providing your vehicle as a gift to family members or others
• Donating your vehicle to charitable organizations
• Moving permanently out of Washington and establishing residency elsewhere
• Returning a leased vehicle to the leasing company at term completion
• Delivering your vehicle to a wrecking yard or salvage operation
• Turning over your vehicle to an insurance company following a total loss declaration
• Disposing of your vehicle through other lawful means
• Transferring vehicle ownership through estate proceedings
• Placing your vehicle in long-term storage without active registration
• Removing your vehicle from operational service permanently

Cancellation Process

Washington handles vehicle registration conclusion through the Report of Sale system rather than traditional registration cancellation. The Department of Licensing provides multiple methods for filing Reports of Sale to end your responsibility for a vehicle.

Online Report of Sale Filing

The DOL offers two convenient online options for filing Reports of Sale without visiting an office.

Method 1: File Without Logging In

Access the Report of Sale system without an account through the DOL website. This method allows immediate filing without creating a License Express account.

Method 2: File Through License Express

Join or log into License Express to report the sale from your personal account. This method provides access to your vehicle history and previous reports.

Required Information for Online Filing:

• License plate number (include all letters and numbers)
• Date of sale or transfer
• Sale price (enter zero for gifts or inheritances)
• Name and address of the person or organization receiving the vehicle
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Important Filing Deadline: Washington law requires that you file your Report of Sale within five business days of the transfer date. Filing protects you from liability for towing charges, parking tickets, speed camera violations, toll bills, and criminal or civil liabilities incurred by the new owner.

Verification Before Filing: Review all information carefully before submission. Errors require visiting a vehicle licensing office in person to explain the mistake, delete the incorrect report, and file a new one.

Processing: Online Reports of Sale are processed immediately after payment, making the transfer legally effective.

In-Person or Mail Submission

Vehicle owners may also file Reports of Sale through traditional methods at vehicle licensing offices or by mail.

Required Steps:

Complete the Vehicle Report of Sale form (Form TD-420-062) available in English, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

Include a check or money order for $18 made payable to "Department of Licensing."

Mail or deliver the form and payment to any vehicle licensing office in the state.

Processing Timeframe: Mail-in Reports of Sale require seven to ten business days for processing after the DOL receives your documents. Retain a copy of your completed form for your records.

License Plate Removal and Disposal

Washington law requires sellers to remove license plates from vehicles before completing any transfer. This critical step protects you from ongoing liability.

Plate Transfer Options:

• Transfer plates to another vehicle you own of the same type (car plates to another car, truck plates to another truck). Contact a vehicle licensing office to complete plate transfers.
• Surrender plates at any vehicle licensing office for proper disposal.
• Dispose of plates yourself by destroying them completely before recycling according to local regulations.

Important: The vehicle buyer cannot use your old plates. Buyers without plates should purchase a trip permit to legally drive an unlicensed vehicle.

Additional Required Actions

After reporting your sale, complete these final steps:

Remove Personal Items: Clear all personal information from the vehicle, including registration documents, insurance cards, and anything containing your name, address, or other identifying information.

Remove from License Express: Log into your License Express account and remove the vehicle from your list after confirming ownership transfer.

Petition for Refund of Registration Fees

Washington provides refunds for unused vehicle registration fees under specific conditions. The DOL processes refund requests for situations including early renewals before sales, mistaken renewals, and other qualifying circumstances.

Refund Eligibility

You may qualify for registration fee refunds if you meet one of the following conditions:

Early Renewal Before Sale or Trade: If you renewed your registration early and subsequently sold or traded your vehicle before the new registration period began, you may receive a refund. Submit the unapplied tabs or decals along with either a bill of sale showing the VIN or your Report of Sale.

Mistaken Renewal After Sale: If you renewed your vehicle by mistake after selling or trading it, provide both a bill of sale and your Report of Sale documentation.

Total Loss or Destroyed Vehicle: If your insurance company declared your vehicle a total loss or it was destroyed before the new registration started, submit proof showing the VIN and date of loss. Acceptable proof includes insurance reports, wrecker bills of sale, or the original title marked "Destroyed" with the destruction date.

Out-of-State Registration: If you registered your vehicle in another state before your Washington registration began, provide a copy of your current out-of-state registration in your name.

Permanent Removal from Washington: If you removed your vehicle from Washington before a new registration period started, provide documentation proving permanent removal. Acceptable proof includes out-of-state registration copies, Report of Sale, bill of sale, or dealer invoice showing trade-in with VIN.

Duplicate Registration: If you mistakenly registered your vehicle twice during the same period, return the duplicated registration certificate, duplicate tabs or decals, and any extra plates issued.

Non-Refundable Fees: Washington does not refund sales tax or use tax collected during vehicle registration. To request sales or use tax refunds, complete the Department of Revenue Application for Refund of Use Tax form. Filing fees and subagent fees charged by licensing offices cannot be refunded.

Refund Application Process

Step 1: Obtain and Complete the Refund Application

Download and print the Vehicle/Vessel Refund Request form (Form TD-420-454) on white paper. Complete all requested information, including your name, address, telephone number, VIN, driver's license or ID card number, and email address.

Step 2: Gather Supporting Documentation

Collect the appropriate supporting documents based on your specific situation as described in the eligibility section above. Include proof of payment, such as cancelled checks, money order receipts, or credit card statements showing the original transaction.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Mail your completed form and all supporting documents to:

Corrections and Refunds
Department of Licensing
P.O. Box 9037
Olympia, WA 98507-9037

Processing: The DOL reviews refund applications and issues approved refunds by check mailed to the address provided on your application. Processing typically requires several weeks from the date the DOL receives your complete application and supporting materials.

Governing Laws and Regulations

Washington vehicle registration procedures are established through state statutes administered by the Department of Licensing:

• Chapter 46.16A RCW establishes comprehensive registration requirements, including registration periods, application procedures, renewal requirements, cancellation authority, exemptions, and penalties for violations
• Chapter 46.12 RCW addresses certificates of title, including issuance requirements, transfer procedures, cancellation provisions, and penalties for violations related to vehicle ownership documentation

Government Agencies

Washington State Department of Licensing

Washington State Department of Licensing
PO Box 9030, Olympia, WA 98507-9030
Phone: (360) 902-3770
Official Website: Washington State Department of Licensing

Vehicle Licensing Offices in Major Cities

Washington operates vehicle licensing offices throughout the state where residents can file Reports of Sale in person, surrender license plates, and complete other registration transactions. These offices are operated by county auditors and private subagents authorized by the Department of Licensing.

King County Records & Licensing Services
201 S. Jackson St., Suite 206, Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: (206) 477-4000
Official Website: King County Records & Licensing Services

Spokane County Auditor Auto License
1116 West Broadway Avenue, Spokane, WA 99260
Phone: (509) 477-2222
Official Website: Spokane County Auditor Auto License

Pierce County Auditor's Office
Pierce County Auditor's Office, 2401 S. 35th, Room 200, Tacoma, WA 98409
Phone: (253) 798-3649
Official Website: Pierce County Auditor's Office

Clark County Auditor Auto License
1300 Franklin St, Fl 1st, Vancouver, WA 98660-2865
Phone: (564) 397-2288
Official Website: Clark County Auditor Auto License

Bel Red Auto License, Inc.
15600 NE 8th Suite K-16, Bellevue, WA 98008-3947
Phone: (425) 747-0444
Official Website: Bel Red Auto License, Inc.

Snohomish County Auditor's Office
3000 Rockefeller Ave, Everett, WA 98201-4060
Phone: (425) 388-3371
Official Website: Snohomish County Auditor's Office

Thurston County Auditor's Office
3000 Pacific Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501-8809
Phone: (360) 786-5406
Official Website: Thurston County Auditor's Office

Yakima County Auditor Auto License
128 N 2nd St Rm 117, Yakima, WA 98901-2639
Phone: (509) 574-1400
Official Website: Yakima County Auditor Auto License

Whatcom County Auditor
311 Grand Ave Ste 103, Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
Phone: (360) 778-5100
Official Website: Whatcom County Auditor

Benton County Auditor Auto License
7122 W Okanogan Pl Ste E120, Kennewick, WA 99336-2359
Phone: (509) 736-2727
Official Website: Benton County Auditor Auto License